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Tweed Regional Gallery is proud to present Three Echoes – Western Desert Art, a national touring exhibition, which will open at the gallery Friday 8 December 2023.
The exhibition, an initiative of Museums & Galleries Queensland, explores the poetic notion of echoes – how metaphorically and metaphonically we can echo a thought, a sentiment or a consciousness.
Curated by celebrated curator, writer, artist and activist, Djon Mundine OAM FAHA, Three Echoes – Western Desert Art showcases works by 57 acclaimed First Nations artists from Ikuntji (Haasts Bluff), Papunya and Utopia Aboriginal communities in the Western Desert regions of the Northern Territory, Australia.
Artworks from the exhibition have been drawn from the private collection of Andrew Arnott and Karin Schack and reflect the significant artistic developments and moments in time that contributed to the meteoric rise of the Western Desert Art movement, which developed in the 1970s.
At the time, Aboriginal people from the desert began talking to the world through art, transferring their creation stories of the land and people to canvas. Now, in the 2020s, this foundational echo is going back and forth. No longer a one-sided, outward calling, it reverberates multi-dimensionally within wider Australian and global communities.
These works hold special meaning for First Nations peoples, communicating important stories of tjukurrpa (Dreaming) and Country. The relationships within families and ancestors; with flora and fauna; and the unique land formations are the foundations of this art.
Exhibition Curator Djon Mundine OAM FAHA spoke of his familial and cultural connection to the theme of Three Echoes – Western Desert Art,
“In the early 1970s, my father once told me of how, when he was a child in Bundjalung country, people coming along the river or through the woods would ‘Coo-ee’ to announce their presence at certain places where their voice would echo repeatedly, reverberating into the distance; to which the receiver would, ‘chant-like’, respond,” he said.
Executive Director at Museums & Galleries Queensland Rebekah Butler said she was honoured to be showcasing the exhibition.
“We are immensely proud to have developed this beautiful and multifaceted show of works, that includes paintings, prints and batiks - and to share these works with a national audience,” she said.
“Featured are some of Australia’s most critically acclaimed artists including Billy Stockman Tjapaltjarri, Turkey Tolson Tjupurrula, Warlimpirrnga Tjapaltjarri, Narputta Nangala Jugadai, Long Tom Tjapanangka, Dr George Tjapaltjarri, Gloria Petyarre and Emily Kame Kngwarreye.”
Acting Tweed Regional Gallery Director Ingrid Hedgecock said the exhibition was an incredibly exciting addition to the Tweed’s cultural repertoire.
“We invite everyone to join us in honouring our world’s oldest continuous living culture through these incredible pieces and view the tremendous selection of works by First Nations artists,” she said.
A Curator’s Floor Talk will be held prior to the exhibition opening on Friday 8 December. In this talk Djon Mundine will speak about the exhibition and touch on significant moments in the history of Western Desert Art. This is a ticketed event and bookings are essential.
Three Echoes – Western Desert Art is on display at Tweed Regional Gallery until 25 February 2024.
The exhibition will travel to 13 regional centres in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania and Northern Territory.
To view the itinerary and find out more information visit magsq.com.au/touring-exhibitions/three-echoes.
Public Programs:
Curator’s Floor Talk: Djon Mundine OAM FAHA
Friday 8 December | 5.15pm | $8/$10
Join celebrated curator, writer, artist and activist Djon Mundine OAM FAHA for a Curator's Floor Talk of Three Echoes – Western Desert Art. In this talk, Djon Mundine will speak about the exhibition and touch on significant moments in the history of Western Desert Art from the early men’s paintings of Papunya Tula, to the artists of Ikuntji, through to the Utopia women’s paintings and batiks.
Bookings essential djonmundine.eventbrite.com.au
Summer Opening Celebrations
Friday 8 December | 6.00pm for 6.30 pm speeches | Free
Join us for the opening celebrations for Three Echoes – Western Desert Art curated by Djon Mundine OAM.
Bookings essential sumopen23.eventbrite.com.au
ART MAKER painting workshop with Jason King
Friday 19 January | 10.30am - 12.30pm | $25
Join Aboriginal artist Jason King at the Gallery and create a painting inspired by the exhibition Three Echoes. All materials included. Suitable for young people 9-15 years.
Booking essential JKing24.eventbrite.com.au
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